Thornton Mom

We are in Utah.  I will go over our trip here later but right now wanted to express my gratitude for the tender mercies of Heavenly Father.  We had a tall order to fill as far as the weather was concerned.  My children have been hopeing for a white christmas ever since we said that we would come to Utah.  The problem was that we did not want it to snow while we were driving.  We arrived in Salt Lake City at 4:15, on Christmas Eve, as planned and the snow started falling at about 12:00 midnight Christmas Eve.  When we woke up on Christmas morning everything was covered in a blanket of fresh snow.  We were so blessed.  The weather has been perfect and we have truly felt the love of family.  How grateful we are for this opportunity. Book of Mormon, Alma 6:6 "6  Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together of...

 My Aunt and Uncle came to visit the other night.  We hadn't seen them for a while.  It was so fun to visit with them.     My Uncle was so kind to my little John Derek who kept throwing balls at him, and tagging him.  I always loved his kindness and playfulness to me when I was a child and it was a delight to see the same kindness and playfulness shown to my children.  My Aunt was so patient and understanding with all the noise and chaos that accompanies a family.  It was so good to visit with her and hear about all the good work she is doing and her faith in the Lord.  She has always been such a strong woman full of goodness and kindness.  She has always been good to me, she even took me shopping one time as a child, just the two of us, I felt so special.  She still makes me feel that way.  What a joy to be part of such a wonderful family.   Book of Mormon, Jacob 4:10-11 ...

Maddie was the first in line.  She is looking at Santa's List and was delighted to find her name on the nice side!! Michael was a little apprehensive but did great and loved his candy cane. Samantha was delighted to tell Santa that she wants Beanie Boos' John Derek had so much energy but still was on the nice list. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) by Tad R. Callister Pg. 344-"I am overwhelmed even humbled and 'amazed at the love Jesus offers me.'" I too am amazed at the love Jesus offers me.  Sometimes I feel so undeserving and other times I feel so prized and important.  I am amazed and grateful for how blessed I truly am.  The Lord is always kind to me and always good to me.  As we have been trying to get ready for Christmas and the many things that need to be done, I have felt a constant peace and a constant assurance that "It will all work out."  I put my faith, trust, and gratitude in Him.

John Derek is a good brother.  Yesterday during the basketball game he played with Michael.  He even found a spot he though would make a good picture and had me come out and take it.  What a great young man. As I was reading today, in The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) by Tad R. Callister, the question was posed " Was the Savior the only possible sacrificial lamb? "  My immediate thought turned me to a scripture in 2 Nephi 31:21 : "There is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God."  Brother Callister quoted a discussion someone had with scholars of the Bible who believe that there may have been another way, that Christ was just the easiest way.  How grateful I am for the Book of Mormon .  For the truth in it's pages.  How it clears up so many questions and helps us find the answers we are looking for.

 Today Derek and I attended Elizabeth's Choir concert.  She sang a beautiful duet and blew us all away.  Last night she sang in the school talent show and did a fantastic job despite the terrible sound system.  Tonight she has a basketball game and on top of ALL this she is a strait A student!  She is also involved in her YW and is persuing her first value completion.  At home she keeps things calm when I am having a difficult time, she helps her siblings, and she is amazing. I am amazed and humbled by all that she does.  It seems that whatever she puts her mind to she goes into it with her whole heart and soul.  She is always willing to try and not afraid of failure.  Her bravery and courage are a divine talent she has been blessed with.  I am in awe of what an amazing spirit she is.  Heavenly Father has something in mind for this beautiful Daughter of God. Today as we sat in the concert.  The teacher singled Eliz...

My son the pyromaniac!!  He LOVES all the candles we have around the house.  One evening it was just him and I at home so we went around lighting all the candles, (even the ones just for decoration.)  He loved it.  His second favorite part was jumping up and down trying to blow them out.  Got to love him!! The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Prince of Peace "“The Savior is the source of true peace,” said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace.” 1 Understanding that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace can help us find inner peace and increase our faith in Him." ...

A very proud Samantha!!  Samantha has been running with a group called Girl on the Run.  It is a great program.  They meet twice a week and work toward the goal of walk/running a 5K.  So this year at the "Raindeer Romp" our whole family supported her and ran with her.  She was the first person in our family to cross the finish line in 49 min.  We were very proud of her. GOTR Team Family together even in the rain!!   Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." The other day I was having a very difficult time emotionally. I opened my grandfather's journal and began to read a talk given by my grandmother Arda Jean Ch...

Yesterday John Derek was so excited to go to church.  Several weeks ago he had written down his testimony and was eager to share it.  He had waited patinely for it to be Fast Sunday.  Finally it was here.  He pulled his little scrap of paper out of his scriptures and waited for the right time.  When I finally nodded that he could go up, he stood at the pulpit and bore his sweet testimony.  He is a good young man.  I look forward to seeing who he will become. "I bear my testimony that I know Jesus can help us and I know Jesus is alive and I know if you have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you can follow the path in the name of Jesus Christ amen." Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 11:32-33 "32  And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God wa...

Last night Derek and I went to the temple.  We both had a lot on our minds.  It is so sweet to go to the temple and to feel God's Love.  To feel His approval and to remind you that you are His child. Yesterday as I sat praying and pondering all that was on my mind I began to have thoughts come into my mind of what to do.  What the next steps were and how to handle the situation.  I truly felt tutored by the Lord.  What a sweet and loving experience it was.  I am so grateful for that opportunity.

I am so proud of Elizabeth.  At school they announced auditions to sing the national anthem before football games.  Elizabeth decided to try out and made it.  She stood in front of the whole football team and the gathered crowds and sang by herself, without music.  She did a fantastic job.  I am so proud of her courage and willingness to improve her talents and shine.  I am privileged to be her mom. John Derek sure loves Michael,  It is fun to see the wrestling, chasing, and laughing together.  Michael also loves the attention and has quickly learned how to "play" with his brother.  Maddison is always trying to get Michael to laugh, especially when I am going to take a picture.  She does a good job. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) , by Tad R. Callister pg. 298--"Some come to the banquet [Sacrament] table each week with pitchers, ready to catch and drink every drop of eternal life that is offered.  Others com...

 I am very proud of my sister.  I mentioned earlier this year that she was engaged, what I didn't mention is that about 2 months before the wedding she called it off.  What courage that took, what faith in the Lord and His plan.  Annelise's dream since I can remember is to get married.  Sometimes Heavenly Father has different dreams for us that we don't understand.  I think the Lord gave her this opportunity for her to prove to herself who she really loves, and she passed with flying colors.  She did the Lord's will.  Calling off a wedding is not an easy decision but I am so proud of her for standing up to the world, for standing up for what she believes in and what she knows is right.  She is a great example of strength and obedience. Way to go Annelise, you have made an eternal impression on me.  I love you!!   Old Testament, Isaiah 53:3   "[Christ] is despised and rejected o...

I spent the other night playing with Michael and Maddie.  They loved it and so did I. Samantha got to go to a cat themed birthday party.  It was purrrfect for her. Elizabeth and Michael love to play with my camera and always take fun pictures. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) , by Tad R. Callister pg. 334, 336-337--"Was a Sacrifice Required: Amulek also gave us an insight into the purpose of the atoning sacrifice when he said, "This being the intent [i.e., purpose] of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy" (Alma 34:15).  In other words, the magnitude of suffering was so intense, so deep, so overwhelming and unrelenting that perhaps all of the spirits of the universe, even the most hardened, may be cried out in universal accord, "It is enough." The collective spirits of God's handiwork may be been so touched, so moved by the awesome intensity of Christ's suffering that they would yield to his request to save...

Pilot Maddie and Co-Pilot Michael We went to the park the other day.  It was nice outside and we all needed some fresh air.  It was fun to see my darlings playing with each other, helping each other (Samantha helped Maddie climb to the top of the "spider web,") and chasing "helicopters" as they flew down from the sky.  It was nice to have fun with my children. Chasing Helicopters JD at the top of the web. Samantha helped Maddie to the top.  What a nice sister. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) , by Tad R. Callister Pg. 327--"There may be yet another reason for advocacy, particularly Christ's: it brings about a spiritual bonding between Christ and his children that cannot be achieved in any other way.  It is the thread that knits our hearts and souls together.  Who among us could watch him plead our case with fervent passion, listen to him rehears the grueling events of Gethsemane, hear his expressions of unbridle...

 Happy Thanksgiving!!  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.  We started with a drizzly 5K.  Everyone walked and our cousins even joined us.  It was fun to accomplish this together.  We spent the afternoon with family eating, laughing and enjoying Michael's birthday.  During the 5K Michael becaome quite attatched to his uncle.  When it was time to sing "Happy Birthday" he left my lap and sat with his uncle.  He was delighted to have everyone sing to him. I am so grateful to have married into such a wonderful family.  I feel at home with them and love to be around them.  They are strong in the gospel and teach me and encourage my children.  What great examples they are and how blessed I am. Book of Mormon, Alma 5:60 "And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into h...

   I love seeing my little boy sleep!  It is the sweetest thing. And when his dad wakes up and bring him into bed because he knows I am so tired and then the two of them fall asleep I am even more in love with them. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) , by Tad R. Callister pg. 324- - Elder Callister relates a story told by Elder Packer of a man who went into debt but when the debt became due the debtor had no money to pay.  The creditor demanded justice and the debtor begged for mercy.  Elder Callister quotes: "The debtor had a friend.  He knew the debtor well.  He knew him to be shorsigthed.  He though him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament.  Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him."  Elder Packer goes on to say that the friend became the mediator, payed the debt to satisfy justice and showed mercy. What I found so interesting was the line "He thought him foolish to have gotte...

JD's Buddies  Recently I was able to go on a field trip with John Derek.  It was fun to spend time with him.  As I watched him interact with the people around him I was amazed to see how much influence he has.  Everyone wanted to be with John Derek.  If he switched to something else they would switch.  If he said to move on they moved on.  I love seeing him be a leader instead of a follower.  Butterflies by John Derek When he first was in Kindergarten he was a follower and the people he followed were not good examples.  The Lord told me to hold him back a year, this put him as the oldest in his class and he shines.  He is a leader, he is still kind and concerned about others.  Viewing Water Creatures We loved the field trip, he took pictures of butterflies and even got to look at different creatures that live in wetlands.  We concluded with Daddy joining us for lunch.  It was a delight to be with my buddy. ...

Well my last post about the Refiners Fire was all too true.  Elizabeth is really feeling the heat as she is on this basketball team.  It is pushing her further than she has ever gone.  Since I have experienced life I know she will come out of this and learn something from it, but she cannot see that.  And I understand because there are some lessons in life we can only  learn through our own experiences.  Being a parent has taught me more and more about God and the patience He has for us.  When I look at her and tell her that she will get through this and she doubts my words am reminded of the complaints I send Heavenward when things are going wrong.  I know my Father is telling me that I will come off conqueror but it is hard to know that without experience. So I guess I am grateful for my trials, and am very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who will listen and will bring me peace.  I hope that with His help we can bring that peace t...

Sometimes I forget how therapeutic it is for me to write this blog.  I get turned around in the winds of life and loose sight of what gives me the help I need.  I sometimes justify why I am too busy to read scriptures, and that listening is good enough.  But then as I sit and write I hear the Lord speak to me, through the words in my mind.  I am energized, brightened, and given peace. It is amazing to me that we human beings so quickly forget what makes us truly happy.  The words of the Lord, exercise and fresh air, healthy nourishing foods, being in the company of loved ones.  I find myself too often thinking that watching one of my favorite movies, or eating chocolate, or just having a few minutes alone will bring me peace.  But the truth is that being with my husband, reading to my children, reading the scriptures, writing in my journal, exercising regularly, and eating God made food is what nourishes my soul and body. In this video, the woman s...

Derek and I chaperone the Halloween Dance at Church Look at all those wrapers!! My princess of organization!! Sorting candy, building towers and enjoying candy! Book of Mormon, Alma 1:26-28 "26  And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. 27  And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. 28  And...

One of my favorite books is King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood & Don Wood.  I have loved it ever since my mother introduced it to us years ago.  Naturally I introduced it into my own home and it has become a family favorite. Sunday morning we were getting ready for church and Maddison was in the bathtub.  I told her it was time to get out but she said, "I think I will stay in here all day." I replied, "Help, Help called the Mom when the sun shone bright Maddie's in the bathtub and she won't get out.  Oh, who knows what to do?" Maddie laughed and replied, "I do cried the bishop when the sun shown bright, get out it's time to go to Church." Maddie continued, "come in cried Maddie with a Church, Church, Church, today we Church in the tub." At this we broke out laughing.  Maddie kept going, "Help, Helped cried the Mommy when the sun sank low.  Maddie's in the bathtub and she won't ge...

I ran into a woman today who's husband is a bishop.  We started talking about being the wife of a bishop, the ups, the downs, the how do you?, the what do you do?, it was good.  Then she caught me off guard when she said, "but don't you think the blessings outweigh the difficulty?"  I decided that I needed to write down what blessings I am receiving while my husband is in this calling: The biggest thing I have seen in myself is my patience incerase.  Now I still loose it from time to time, but I can tell it is not as much, that when things happen my patience is so much greater, I don't react with so much harshness but with patience and love.  Even when I am in the middle of something that should make me so upset I stand in awe about how well I am handeling the situation and know that is a gift from Heavenly Father. We felt the need to involve our children in several afterschool activities.  One day I realized that I would need to be 3 places on Tuesda...

A few days ago I was feeling burdened by the role of mother.  I was feeling more like a maid/cook/caretaker and not someone who my children valued.  A few hours later Samantha, John Derek, and Maddie came in with several roses that they had picked off our rose bush and gave them to me and told me that they loved me and thanked me for being such a good mom.  It was the pick me up I needed.  God has so many tender mercies, He lets me know He is listening, that He cares and that I have value to Him. Michael was fussy a few days ago and would want to sit with me and read a story.  3 days in a row he fell asleep on my lap.  He never does this and it was so sweet to cuddle and sing my little boy to sleep. Derek got up this morning and brought Michael into our bed.  I had not even heard him cry.  It was cute to wake up to them both sleeping soundly.  What a sweet husband I have. "Mothers, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours a...